To not keep poxy child in isolation

[FromCuddleLand]

Hello! We are on half term this week. Every year we take our DC to London for a few days to do the sites. This is the first year that we have planed to take the youngest. He is mega excited. We've booked the hotel (2 rooms, non refundable) and purchased tickets for one of the venues in advance.
Last night I noticed youngest was starting to look a bit spotty. Today he is pretty pickled and it is obvious it is chicken pox. He is ok in himself, cheery and bouncing around. I know that he would not be allowed in school but do I really have to not take him anywhere? (as far as I understand you are contagious before the spots show anyway). I really really don't want to cancel our trip. Am I being an arsehole or is it ok to take him? (most things were going to are outdoors). BTW have NC for this but have been on here since 2011.

How can you even consider taking him?

He's a risk to anyone having chemotherapy, compromised immune system, on steroids, non immune pregnant women...

Is your trip more important than someone else's life?

As the mother of an immunocompromised child I would think you were either really stupid or completely ignorant. Please don't risk other people.

This is why you need travel insurance even within the uk for short breaks.

I did sort of know the answer, so you can all calm down a little bit. It's just sod's law with the timing. And also pretty worrying that he's been out and about for two days whilst contagious without us knowing it.

God no! Sorry OP it sucks but don’t take him out until they are all scabbed

Yep. You’d be an arsehole for sure to do this.

I think with half term being this week you're cutting it close for the scabs crusting over.

If you've been on here for a long time you'll know UABU.

You just can't make others I'll, it's just not okay.

That's a very measured response Schwesterherz but unfortunately looking at him it really is obvious!

Ah what a shame for you all OP, but you really can't take him. Such a busy place too - there would be so many opportunities for infection.
Too late now but would have been worth getting him vaccinated.

I have a premature child with weak immune system - it’s reckless what you’re suggesting. It’s stuff like this that makes ME want to not go out in case idiot parents think just because their child is ok they can do what they want.

One of you stays home with the ill child whilst the rest of you go.

As someone immuncompromised, people like you are the reason why I dread going out.

As a parent you have a responsibility to more than "sort of know the answer" to such things. Educate yourself.

I’m always amazed at the number of threads asking this question.

Does anyone really ever say “crack on love, your holiday/party/plans are more important” ?

If it’s infectious (or you believe it is) then stay in. Even if it’s just suspected it’ll become apparent soon enough.

Well, I think that's been achieved don't you TheOrigRightsofwomen?

Completely unreasonable to go. Don't be so selfish. The guidelines are in place for a reason!

Righto, anyone got any suggestions for what to do with a young child on our own in a house for 5 days then? Jeez, this is going to be a long five days.

So he came out in spots yesterday? You're already on day 2 after spots first show. It's 5 days after spots appear that they're contagious.
When were u thinking of going?
If it's next week I think it's fine.
I've seen loads of kids with chicken pox out and about. But I assume they're all dried up. The spots can be on the face for weeks but they're not contagious all that time

You’ve got to look after your young child on your own for five days? And that is a torment why?

What you normally do! Play in garden, tv, games, etc. You can go out for a walk, I think, but don’t get close to people...

I know you know the answer!

It sucks. Keep littlest home with your DH and take biggest to London (presuming DC1 has already had cp?) Rebook for Easter instead.

Yes you take him no where. Given you’re selfish I’ll start on your own child: most people present as well, get uncomfortable and then get better. Several get sick, several don’t sleep. Some unfortunately suddenly go down hill fast. Look after your child and keep them at home. Incase you need more -
FFS
For the person on the train back from chemo
For the pregnant lady with low immunity on the tube to hospital appt
For the tiny baby you ‘just pass’
For the child with complex allergies
For the care assistant who spends all day working with vulnerable

You would be a twat. I have t read the other replies but dear god - you could KILL immuno compromised people with your attitude. Suck it up. Do not even consider this, selfishness in the most extreme.

We've all had two stay in with kids when they're sick or contagious though OP. It's not that big a deal. Play inside/back garden/TV/read whatever. You'll figure it out